Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Conflicting Court Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies the prohibition on forum shopping in labor cases, warning parties against raising the same issues in multiple forums to delay execution.
Understanding Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Are They Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are valid, and when courts may invalidate them.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Heirship Disputes: Why Summary Judgments Fail When Inheritance Rights Are Unclear
Supreme Court explains why summary judgment cannot resolve contested heirship and inheritance rights in estate administration cases.
Reclaimed Lands and Constitutional Limits: The Central Bay Case on Corporate Land Ownership
The Supreme Court voids a compromise agreement transferring reclaimed land to a private corporation's assignee, upholding constitutional bans on corporate land ownership.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Understanding the Binding Nature of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Law
A look at City of Bacolod v. Sugarland Hotel, where the Supreme Court affirmed that a memorandum of understanding is a binding contract, and explored estoppel and jurisdictional challenges.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Compromise Agreements and Rescission: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
When can a compromise agreement be rescinded? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-performance and rescission under Article 2041.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Disputes: When Courts Must Respect Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must approve compromise agreements, protecting valid settlements from being overturned on technical grounds.
Understanding Tax Compromise Agreements: Validity and Implications for Taxpayers
The Supreme Court affirms the validity of tax compromise agreements under the NIRC, protecting good-faith settlements with the BIR.
Due Process and Conjugal Property Rights in Philippine Legal Disputes
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on due process, conjugal property, and annulment of judgment in Spouses Hofer v. Yu.
Compromise Agreements Bind Courts: Enforcing Terms as Written
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, judicial authority, and remedies for breach in Bernardo v. Union Bank.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Upholding Redemption Rights: The Validity of an Irrevocable Power of Attorney in Land Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on irrevocable power of attorney, land redemption, and compromise agreements in Philippine civil law.
Franchise Disputes and Cooperative Restructuring in Philippine Electrification
Supreme Court clarifies NEA authority over electric cooperative franchises, asset transfers, and why internal restructuring cannot create new cooperatives.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Compromise After Judgment: How a Settlement Can Override a Final Court Decision
The Supreme Court explains when a compromise agreement can validly novate a final judgment, even after execution has begun.
Novation Requires Clear Release of Original Debtor: Lessons from Ever Electrical v. PBCOM
When does a new debtor's assumption of a loan release the original borrower? The Supreme Court explains novation rules.
Home Lot Entitlement in Agrarian Disputes: Landholder Obligations and Tenant Rights
Who must provide home lots to agrarian tenants? The Supreme Court clarifies landholder obligations and tenant rights in a 2016 ruling.
Prescription in Labor Disputes: The Importance of Timely Execution of NLRC Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for executing NLRC decisions and the consequences of delay in enforcing labor judgments.
Third Party Beneficiaries and Compromise Agreements: When Excluded Parties Cannot Claim Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements benefit only named parties, not excluded third parties under stipulation pour autrui.
Protection Orders and Marital Discord: Balancing Rights and Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 operate amid marital disputes, custody battles, and claims of compromise.